Empress Ascending

by Nicolette Andrews

The emperor is dead, and the empress shall rise.

When the emperor is murdered, Eveline becomes Empress overnight. No woman has ever ruled the empire. And opposition mounts against her while forbidden magic seeps into through the cracks of the palace.

To bind her power, she must find allies and a husband to appease her counsel. Alexander is handsome, charming and a dangerous temptation. While she agrees to marry him to keep her crown, she swears to keep her heart locked away.

The empire teeters on the verge of civil war as monsters emerge from the dark to terrorize the capital. Eveline cannot win this battle alone. Can she open her heart to Alexander before it’s too late, or will her distrust destroy the kingdom?

Get the prequel to the Moonlight Dragon Trilogy and be swept into a passionate and dark world of marriage of convenience, powerful women, and steamy romance…

Genres: Ebooks

139 pages, Unknown Binding

About the author

Nicolette Andrews is a born and raised San Diegan with a passion for fantasy, especially if it has a romance and some mystery and intrigue mixed it doesn't go amiss either. Apart from writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, preferably somewhere outside enjoying the San Diego sunshine.

Reviews

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC for my honest review. Overall this is a fast paced novella that is an prequel to the series being released soon. There was some choppy places towards the end that felt off to me. Almost like trying to be rushed to wrap it up. The story and how it is laid out is a great plot and I plan on checking the series out as they get released. The main female character is very strong and I enjoyed seeing that. Marriage of convenience but does it turn out to become more?! Guess you will have to find out.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done.

Princess Eveline gets word that her healthy father is suddenly on his deathbed. He had named her his heir to be empress when he died. He dies right after she arrives. Her path to being officially empress is a rocky one as you read in this prequel. I makes you want to find out what happens next.
I received this free from the author.

[Sandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect novella to let us know the story of Eveline and Andrew and how they fought against corrupt family and magic. Eveline is the perfect princess, poised, polite and beautiful but lacks the courage it takes to stand up to the men trying to tell her how to run her empire. As she struggles to figure out what is right for her and her rule, Andrew is by her side, and so is the goddess of the sun. A great short read to give us more of a glimpse into the lives of the characters in Dragon's Deception.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Emperor has been killed and Eveline his daughter has been named his heir, however there was a lot of opposition to her taking the title of empress as there had never been a woman empress before. Eveline was headstrong and a warrior and she was damned if she'd allow anyone else to take her throne, however she knew she had to take a husband to rule by her side, so she chose a man who would gather allies to her side. Alexander was handsome to a fault, gracious, and so in love with her, but she feared to open her heart to him. She also wanted to find her father's poisoner and she knew that whoever this was, had used dark magic, and had been an insider, and one close to her father. Can Eveline rule her Kingdom and do what is best for her people? Can she find the threat which very well could be aimed at her now her father was dead? and can she trust Alexander enough to open her heart to him? This is an amazing prequel with a kick ass heroine, a handsome and loving consort, and a court full of betrayal, gossip and men who could not get themselves to trust being ruled by a woman. It is a prequel I really enjoyed reading and one which sets the tune to the series which follows!

[Reads_Must · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empress Ascending
Fantasy
Nicolette Andrews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• ᴍᴀʀʀɪᴀɢᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴄᴏɴᴠᴇɴɪᴇɴᴄᴇ • ʙᴇᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ • ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ •

I really like the writing style of this author. It was very descriptive without using info dumps and it flowed well.

The world building was very good and the magic system immediately made me curious.

I liked the characters, especially Eveline. I was always suspicious of Alexander but I'm not sure why, considering he didn't do anything wrong.

The pacing as just right but I wish there was at least one other POV.

The ending was sweet and I'm glad that Eveline managed to save her people and become Empress.

[Jadelynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part everything was pretty solid. Everything except the “romance” if it can be called that. I understand with a novella it’s difficult to fit everything in, but considering the sex scene, there was space. It’s a classic case of insta lust which they misread as love. She’s worried about being betrayed by him so she actively avoids him which doesn’t add for much romantic development. But soon enough, despite hardly having a conversation, he’s confessing his love and she no longer can fight against the pull of how hot he is or something.
I loved Andrew’s’ fae series so I know she can write romance I can enjoy so I will still give this series a try.

[Denyse Ramage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to say thank you for giving me the chance to read this novella. Firstly, I love the names,(they sound german which is a fun spin). There is some magic in this world and I'm hoping it will elaborate more in the next book. It has an "Excalibur" feel to it and i love that take.A few parts seemed a bit rushed but since it was just an introduction to the main plot I will let it slide. All in all it has potential and I cant wait to see where this new adventure takes us.

[MGB · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nicely written story that gives the background to becoming an Empress. It is not easy, and she must overcome evil to assume the throne. She also discovers that she has help, he has always been there, and always will be. She just needs to let him in.

[Jenfiere · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this after the two main books of the series, and I'm glad that was the order I read it. If I read this first, I may have been confused about the universe it was written. However, this novella does help understand some of the long-standing politics that Liane has to face. 3.7 Stars.

[Carmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just wasn't my personal cup of tea. I don't think it's bad necesarily, it just didn't grab me or catch my interest enough for me to get excited about it or root for the characters or want to continue the series.
Definitely can see others enjoying it, though!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this because a Kickstarter for this series popped up in my email. I wanted a taste of what the series was about before committing and now I am excited to jump into the trilogy. The prequel was nice and short. With some character background.

[T.R. Sharrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

I am really loving the writing style this author has. I'm definitely going to be grabbing more of these books!

[ana.bookrecs · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

this had so much potential, i wish it was longer. But still this was sooo good, it was super addicting 😩